Around the NHL: Toronto gets Babcock, Foligno and more

The Philadelphia Flyers were not the only NHL team that has found themselves a new bench boss this week. Unlike the Flyers, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers stayed with the philosophy of hiring a proven NHL head coach to guide their teams.

Babcock

The Toronto Maple Leafs have won the Mike Babcock sweepstakes. After weeks of speculation as to where the now former Red Wings coach would end up, he has chosen to take his coaching talents north of the border. He signed for 8 years and 50 million dollars.

Babcock was probably the hottest name that was potentially on the market. Philadelphia, Buffalo, San Jose and Toronto were all rumored to have interest. Detroit will receive a third round pick from Toronto sometime in the next three years as compensation for the hire.

McLellan

Former Sharks head coach Todd McLellan has also found new work. McLellan was announced as the new head man for the Edmonton Oilers. In seven seasons in San Jose he amassed a 311-163-66 record. His Sharks teams made the playoffs in each of his first six seasons. 

Playoff appearances were not enough though as the Sharks never made it to the Finals and most notoriously blew a three games to none lead in the 2014 playoffs to eventual champion Los Angeles.

He did have success at the international level as he coached Canada to a gold medal at the IIHF World Championships just last weekend. 

Foligno

For the first time in over three years the Columbus Blue Jackets have a captain. Nick Foligno has been named the sixth captain in franchise history. The 27 year old forward is the first captain since Rick Nash demanded a trade.

Columbus has been reluctant to name a new captain as both Nash and his predecessor Adam Foote both requested trades. Foligno seems to have embraced both the team and the city of Columbus. 

He just completed his third season with the club. He set career highs in goals (31) assists (42) and points (73). 

Bruins name new GM

The Boston Bruins have officially made Don Sweeney the team's new general manger. Sweeney replaces Peter Chiarelli who was let go following the season. Chiarelli has moved on to be the general manager for Edmonton.

Sweeney played 15 seasons with the Boston Bruins. In total he spent 16 years patrolling NHL bluelines. For the past six seasons he served as Chiarelli's assistant general manager. He has been in the Bruins front office for nine total years. 

Not singing the Blues

It was reported last week that longtime New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur felt a home coming to the Devils organization may not happen anytime soon. St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong made sure it will be at least years away.

Armstrong announced Wednesday that Brodeur has signed a three year contract to be the Blues assistant general manger. Brodeur played 21 season in New Jersey before a very brief stint in St. Louis.

After announcing his retirement, St. Louis offered him a position in the front office last season.  

Bill Minchin is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow Bill on Twitter @wtfd103074